Originally published as a series of eight short stories, Foundation is a complex saga about humans who are scattered on planets throughout the galaxy, living under the rule of the Galactic Empire.

A psycho-historian who can scientifically read the future sees an imminent empire collapse, and sets to work preparing to save the knowledge of mankind.

The project has bounced around the studios over time, originally at Fox before heading to Warner Bros. Pictures. Emmerich and Sony’s bid beat out a Warner Bros./director Alex Proyas and Fox/producer Vince Gerardis at an auction for the property.